How to interpret the results of the Dutch elections? What does the return of history to European affairs really mean? Is the EU a stage or an actor in the big drama of history? And what kind of Europe is emerging from Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the American empire and the post-1945 world order? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Luuk van Middelaar, the founding Director of Brussels Institute for Geopolitics. A political theorist, historian, and author of the prizewinning The Passage to Europe (2013), he recently published Le Réveil géopolitique de l’Europe (2022), Pandemonium (2021) and Alarums and Excursions (2019), groundbreaking accounts of the Union’s crisis politics. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

As the geopolitical balance in Europe continues to shift, the Black Sea has emerged as a key frontline in defending democracy and stability on the continent. Russia’s ongoing aggression, the unfinished dismantling of the Soviet legacy, and the struggle for control over critical trade routes and energy corridors have made the region a testing ground for the future of the liberal world order. Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) talks to Ambassador Batu Kutelia, Senior Fellow at the Delphi Global Research Center and former Ambassador of Georgia to the United States, ahead of the Black Sea Security Conference in Sofia. Together, they discuss the strategic importance of the Black Sea, NATO’s role in ensuring regional security, and the urgent need for democratic resilience in the face of authoritarian expansion. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

As the liberal world order weakens and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine persists, Europe must shift from soft to hard power to protect its democracies. This requires bolstering military strength and public resolve amid rising threats, with mainstream parties adapting their strategies. Public opinion polls expose a harsh truth: only one in three Europeans is willing to fight for their country, with youth showing the greatest reluctance. Pro-democratic parties must respond decisively. Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) talks to Goran Buldioski, co-author of ELF's Policy Paper 'From Soft to Hard Power - Several strategies for European liberals to prepare to defend their country and the continent'. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Are we witnessing the weakening of political parties? If that is the case, what are the effects of this phenomenon on democracy? Is there a market for centrist politics? Has the US turned populist? And what is the future for Argentina under President Javier Milei? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Samuel Issacharoff, the Bonnie and Richard Reiss Professor of Constitutional Law at the NYU School of Law. He is a leading figure in the study of democracy, constitutions, and the courts, and is the author of Fragile Democracies: Contested Power in the Era of Constitutional Courts and, more recently, Democracy Unmoored: Populism and the Corruption of Popular Sovereignty. He also is a leading figure in the field of procedure and complex litigation, and served as the reporter for the American Law Institute’s Principles of Aggregate Litigation. He served as a senior legal advisor to the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and has long experience as an appellate advocate in American courts. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does it mean to live , and stay free in an age of uncertainty? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre and Leszek Jażdżewski look ahead to Freedom Games 2025 in Łódź, where liberals, thinkers, and changemakers will gather under the theme “Times of Uncertainty.” They discuss this year’s highlights, exploring how liberals can anticipate the future instead of merely reacting to crises and how Europe can turn instability into opportunity. They unpacking the rise of populism, Trump’s shadow over transatlantic politics, and Europe’s growing role as a hub for science, innovation, and democratic resilience. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Is the Green Deal dead or is it just resting? Does it make sense for Europe to create ambitious climate goals without the United States and China? And what should we know about climate-focused industrial partnerships of the European Union? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Susi Dennison, a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), where she acts as Chief of Staff to the Director and leads the European Power programme as well as the organizational growth and transformation process. Her topics of focus include strategy, politics and cohesion in European foreign policy; climate and energy, migration, and the toolkit for Europe as a global actor. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Ever wonder what it’s like to sit in on one of ELF’s panel discussions? This week, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) brings listeners along with him to the 2024 Freedom Games in Łódź. You’ll get a front-row seat to a conversation featuring Polish MP Aleksandra Kot (Nowoczesna), and even join in on a playful political game with Ricardo and Leszek that shows how serious ideas can mix with a bit of fun. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What is the secret of the populist narrative? Why should we shy away from liberal nostalgia? And what are some of the sources of hope for the future? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Jan-Werner Müller, a Roger Williams Straus Professor of Social Sciences and a Professor of Politics at Princeton University. He works mainly in democratic theory and the history of modern political thought. He also has research interests in the relationship between architecture and politics, as well as the normative implications of the current structural transformations of the public sphere. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How can Europe build public acceptance for wind power and expand clean energy production? Why are some communities hesitant to welcome wind turbines, and what policies can shift public attitudes? In this episode, Daniel Lindvall, Senior Researcher at Climate Change Leadership, Uppsala University, joins Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) to discuss the benefits of wind power for decarbonisation, energy security, and economic growth. They explore the challenges communities face when projects are developed nearby, from local resistance and fairness concerns to the role of community benefits, taxation, and combating disinformation—while outlining key policy recommendations to strengthen acceptance of renewable energy across Europe. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What are the polls telling us about the forthcoming October election in the Czech Republic? Will Andrej Babiš come back to power? What are some of the issues and scandals that dominate the political debate ahead of the election? And what will be the Czech position on Ukraine, the NATO, and security under the new government? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Martin Ehl, a journalist and writer, a reporter of Czech economic daily Hospodářské noviny (hn.cz) since 2001; since January of 2006 till June 2018 Chief International Editor, now Chief Analyst. He was previously working in various Czech written media since 1992. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Visegrad Insight (visegradinsight.eu), and a council member of the European Council on Foreign Relations. He is covering primarily Central Europe, transatlantic relations, security issues, and business related to defense and energy. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How can EU Member States ensure that justice systems are not only efficient, but also trusted by their citizens? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) sits down with Dr. Georgios Archontas, political philosopher and economic theorist, to explore the findings of the ELF policy paper Strengthening Justice Effectiveness in the EU Member States Measuring Quality and Perceptions Leading to Better Administration. Together, they discuss how improving the quality of justice and addressing public perceptions can lead to stronger institutions and better governance across Europe. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What game is President Donald Trump playing with Vladimir Putin? Is peace in Ukraine attainable? And what is the role of the EU in the negotiations, if any? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Piotr Buras, the Head of ECFR's Warsaw office and a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What happens when migrants don’t just adapt to their new home, but transform it? What drives them to start businesses despite facing more obstacles than locals, and why are their ventures often more successful? And how can smart policies unlock this untapped potential? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) speaks with Roxana Nicula, Chair of the Foundation for the Advancement of Liberty (Fundalib) and co-author of Migrant Entrepreneurship in Spain, produced with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. They discuss the data and stories behind immigrant entrepreneurship, the barriers that still hold back aspiring business owners, and practical policy solutions to help them thrive. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does Kosovo's path to the EU look like? What should we know about Kosovo's struggle for independence? What geopolitical tensions should we be aware of in the Western Balkans? And what is the situation of the Kosovar in Warsaw, Poland? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Ambassador Drilon S. Gashi, the Chief of Mission of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in Warsaw since December 2023. He has stood up Kosovo’s Consulate General as his country’s first-ever Diplomatic/Consular Mission in Poland, with himself as the Kosovo’s first-ever resident top diplomat in the country. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What is the current political climate in Georgia? How can civic memory shape a nation’s democratic resilience? And why is political literacy more important than ever in countries on democracy’s frontlines? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes Zaza Bibilashvili, founder and Chairman of the Chavchavadze Center in Georgia. They dive into the challenges facing Georgian democracy and explore how initiatives like the New Iveria publication are working to inform, educate, and empower citizens through history, civic awareness, and principled liberal values. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Who are the challengers to the European mainstream? What are the issues that unite and divide the challengers of the European project? And what can we learn from the Italian case and Giorgia Meloni? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Teresa Coratella, the Deputy Head of the Rome office at the European Council on Foreign Relations’ (ECFR) Rome office. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What made the U.S. a beacon for global science — and why is that now at risk? How has the Trump-era anti-science rhetoric damaged institutions of higher education and public trust? And can the EU’s Choose Europe for Science initiative fill the gap left behind? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes journalist and author Robert Whitaker, publisher of madinamerica.com. They discuss the decline of scientific leadership in the United States, the political pressures undermining academic freedom, and how the European Union can rise as a global hub for research and innovation. Whitaker also shares insights on the state of psychiatric research and the dangers of false scientific narratives. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Why has the Portuguese politics become volatile and fragmented? What should we know about the Portuguese politicians and their conflicts of interest? How to address the problem of the Chega party and the rise of populism in Portugal? And what is the current status of the relations between Portugal and the EU? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Ricardo Silvestre, an author and a political scientist who is an Associate Fellow at the European Liberal Forum (ELF). Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does growing Chinese (and Russian) influence mean for South America’s political and economic future? How are governments in the region responding to pressure from Beijing? And what role do tools like the Confucius Institutes and media influence play in shaping public opinion? Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes Marcos Falcone, Research Fellow at Fundación Libertad, and an Associate Professor at Universidad del CEMA. They talk about how authoritarian regimes are extending their reach in Latin America. Tune in for a conversation that uncovers the influence of China, but also of Russia, in South America, both at the economic, political, and societal level.  This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What are the main Iranian actors and their options in the conflict with Israel? Are negotiations possible? What is the legitimacy of the regime and the potential for change from within the Iranian society? And can Eastern Europe serve as an inspiration for the Iranian reformists? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Dr. Walter Posch, a trained orientalist who works as a Middle East expert at the Institute for Peacekeeping and Conflict Management at the National Defence Academy in Vienna. Tune in for their talk! Find out more: https://www.bmlv.gv.at/pdf_pool/publikationen/book_the_iranian_security_apparatus_posch_web.pdf This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.